POPE FRANCIS has told worshippers “Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters” during a visit to a mosque where thousands of beleaguered Muslims have been trapped by Christian militias.

The pontiff’s poignant vow for unity came as he spoke to Muslims who had sought shelter in Bangui, a Muslim neighbourhood of Central Africa Republic (CAR), after nearly three years of violence between both religious communities.

Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. We must, therefore, consider ourselves and conduct ourselves as such

Pope Francis

He said: “Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. We must, therefore, consider ourselves and conduct ourselves as such.

“Those who claim to believe in God must also be men and women of peace.”

The pontiff also appealed for “an end to every act which, from whatever side, disfigures the ace of God and whose ultimate aim is to defend particular interests by any and all means”.

The Pope’s impassioned remarks were welcomed by imam Naibi who thanked the pontiff for his visit and said it was a “symbol which we all understand”.

CAR descended into chaos in early 2013 when Muslim Seleka revels seized power in the majority Christian country, sparking reprisals from Christian militants.

At least 100 people gave been killed in sectarian violence since September 25.

Healing rifts between Christian and Muslim communities has been a theme throughout Francis’ first visit to the continent, which has also seen him visit Kenya and Uganda.

AP

Men sit in the Koudoukou mosque, in Bangui, Central African Republic as they wait for pope's arrival

Using the Arabic word for peace, the Pope added: “Together, we must say no to hatred, to revenge and to violence, particularly that violence which is perpetated in the name of a religion or of God himself. God is peace, salam.”

It comes after France called on fighting factions in the CAR to lay down their weapons.

Around half of CAR’s population is Christian and 15 per cent Muslim.

The pontiff’s trip to CAR marked his first to a conflict zone and his final stop in his three-nation African tour, which also took him to Kenya and Uganda.